Films "Truly Worth Seeing in Cinemas," Selected by Cinema Staff Nationwide, Finally Decided! "The 1st Cinema Grand Prix (2026) Award Ceremony" Event Report: Star-studded Ambassadors and Award Winners Gather to Boost Cinemas!

The "Cinema Grand Prix" is an award aiming to have customers rediscover the wonder of watching films in cinemas by having cinema staff nationwide vote for "films that only cinema staff can choose, and that they want more customers to see in cinemas," and then re-screening the selected films. The commemorative 1st Cinema Grand Prix Award Ceremony and Special Roundtable, a project undertaken by the entire film industry with the goal of promoting cinema attendance and further revitalizing film culture, was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku.

Part 1: "Award Ceremony"
Films "truly worth seeing in cinemas," selected by cinema staff nationwide, have finally been decided!

Part 1, the "Award Ceremony," began with an address from Mr. Hirotaka Matsuoka, Representative Director and President of Toho Co., Ltd., and Representative Director of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Cinema Attendance. He commented, "This committee was established in 2003 with the goals of eradicating piracy and reaching a film-going population of 200 million. Although we faced a crisis where films could not be screened due to the new coronavirus, last year in 2025, box office revenue recorded an all-time high, and I am very happy to feel that cinema has returned." He added, "Our own ideas might not resonate well with families or young people. To help people enjoy films, this project was planned primarily by young staff. We hope for long-term support, even if there are imperfections, to nurture the film industry for the next 20-30 years." He expressed gratitude for the successful holding of this event.

Next, comments were made by the H Team of the "1st Film Industry Young Strategy Council," the initiators of this memorable project. Mr. Ryusuke Hashimoto of Tokyu Recreation Co., Ltd., Ms. Arisa Sakurai of Aeon Entertainment Co., Ltd., Ms. Saki Mizuta of Toho-Towa Co., Ltd., Mr. Ayumu Shiraishi of Shochiku Co., Ltd., and Ms. Majin Yamana of Happinet Media Marketing Co., Ltd. took the stage. They expressed their enthusiasm for boosting cinemas through this event, saying, "We hope this becomes a place for everyone to have new encounters with films screened daily. We pray that as many people as possible visit theaters, making them more vibrant." and "We are delighted that the project has come to fruition. We were able to discuss the issues of each industry, and we would be overjoyed if this project encourages even one more customer to visit a theater, leading to a brighter future for the box office."

Following this, ambassadors LiLiCo and LEO appeared. LEO, who once worked as cinema staff, confessed his passionate feelings about becoming an ambassador, saying, "I am honored to have been chosen. I am happy to have this chance to give back to the cinemas where I learned so much." LiLiCo also commented, "I usually work as a bridge, introducing films and having them screened in cinemas, so I am truly happy to meet everyone I always work with and to be chosen as an ambassador for this project." They both expressed their desire to invigorate the future of the film industry, showing strong commitment to their ambassador roles.
LEO, recalling his time working in a cinema, reminisced about a heartwarming episode, saying, "I had the confidence that I made the best popcorn in Japan." LiLiCo revealed her viewing routine, saying, "I love hot dogs the most and eat them before the movie starts. Someday, I'd like to sell food at a cinema with him (laughs)." These immediate comments filled with love for cinema resonated with the audience, raising the excitement level in the venue before the award ceremony began.

Finally, the award-winning films for each category were announced. In the "Japanese Film Category: Must-See in Cinemas!", "National Treasure," which greatly captivated audiences in 2025, proudly took first place. Director Sang-il Lee took the stage, and the award shield was presented. Cinema staff who voted praised the film, saying, "It was a beautiful film where three hours flew by." Director Sang-il Lee expressed his joy at receiving the award, saying, "First of all, I am very happy to have been selected for such a project." He also stated, "The comments 'three hours flew by' and 'I went to the cinema for the first time in a long time' were particularly impressive. We discussed daily with the staff and cast how to immerse such visitors into the world of the film. I believe that cinemas give birth to film directors and actors, and the development of cinemas leads to the development of the film industry. To further develop the film industry, I will continue to pursue immersion in the world of film." The venue was filled with applause as he expressed his determination to pursue films for the development of the film industry.

In the "Foreign Film Category: Must-See in Cinemas!", the first place went to a film that moved and excited the world, and also achieved cumulative box office success in Japan.
Keywords: